Make a weekend of it on Beaver Island

Lake Michigan island offers culinary event, race and more on Oct. 5

September 27, 2013|Carolyn Sherk, PNR Saturday contributor

Petoskey News-Review file photo

Beaver Island residents are busy preparing for the upcoming 12th annual Bite of Beaver Island and Island Boodle 5K Run on Saturday, Oct. 5. It is the traditional celebration of autumn on this tiny, treasured Lake Michigan island where locals will be welcoming mainlanders to join the fun. It would make a great weekend getaway with that special someone.

The Bite of Beaver Island is a food festival in which professional chefs will create delicacies for sampling from noon-3 p.m. at the Holy Cross Hall on Beaver Island. Each chef will have a booth and patrons of the event will have the opportunity to sample and enjoy bite-sized culinary delights from the island. Free hayrides will be available and the fall celebration also will feature the Arts, Crafts & Goodies Show from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the island’s community center.

The Island Boodle 5K Run is a walk or run event that is open to the public. The run will begin 10 a.m. at the Beachcomber and the route runs through Paradise Bay, along Lake Michigan and then back to town. Participants range from serious athletes to moms with strollers and people with their dogs. Everyone is encouraged to attend whether they are in the cheering section or choose to run. Preregistration for running in the event is encouraged for a $30 fee, which includes a commemorative T-shirt.

Travel to Beaver Island is convenient whether by ferry or plane. Island Airways offers a 20-minute flight to the island.

“We recommend you make a weekend out of it ... you could take the ferry over and fly back and have the full Beaver Island experience,” said Angela Welke, Island Airways owner.

Reservations are recommended and flight arrangements are geared to accommodate passenger needs. The company has four planes that seat up to nine passengers. For reservations, call (800) 524-6985, (231) 547-2141 or visit www.islandairways.com online.

Fresh Air Aviation also provides flights to Beaver Island. Reservations are required with the time and day passengers wish to fly and the trips are based on demand. The planes seat up to five adults and flight times range from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and after-hour flights are available. For more information, call (888) 359-7448, (231) 237-9842 or visit www.freshairaviation.net online.

Beaver Island Boat Company provides ferry service to Beaver Island, as well. The two-hour journey from downtown Charlevoix across Lake Michigan to Beaver Island offers an open air deck and passenger cabins. The ferry seats 295 passengers and reservations are not necessary, unless you choose to take your vehicle on the crossing. The ferry has a limited schedule for the season now, as the ferry is docked on Beaver Island each night. Trips from Charlevoix to Beaver Island are scheduled for departure at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2, 4 and 5. A return trip from Beaver Island back to Charlevoix is scheduled for 11:20 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. For more information, call (888) 446-4095 or visit www.bibco.com online.

Local shops, pubs and restaurants will welcome travelers. Advanced reservations for overnight lodging are highly encouraged.

“The fall colors on Beaver Island in October are outstanding. Nearly half of our island consists of the environment in a pristine natural state,” said Steve West, executive director of Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce.

The weekend event offers travelers a chance to unplug from the mainland world and enjoy nature and all its wonders on Beaver Island.

For more information about the island and its offerings, contact West at (231) 448-2505 or email chamber@beaverisland.org.